Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe: Buffalo chicken pasta is a dish that combines two comfort food favorites—spicy buffalo chicken and creamy pasta—into one satisfying meal. If you’re a fan of the bold flavors of buffalo wings but also crave something hearty and filling, this recipe will be your new go-to. It’s spicy, creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. The best part? You can make it in under an hour, and it’s beginner-friendly.
Unlike traditional buffalo wings that can be messy and time-consuming, this dish gives you all the flavor without the hassle. Imagine tender pasta coated in a spicy buffalo cream sauce, tossed with juicy chicken, and topped with melted cheese—it’s the ultimate comfort food. You can even bake it for a casserole-style dish, or keep it simple on the stovetop.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or making something special for game day, buffalo chicken pasta is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easily customizable. You can make it milder, spicier, creamier, or even turn it into a healthy version by swapping out ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving that creamy, spicy, and flavorful balance in buffalo chicken pasta. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it at home:
Main Ingredients
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or any short pasta works best. They hold the sauce well.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Olive oil or butter: For cooking the chicken.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for extra flavor.
Sauce Ingredients
- Buffalo sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the most popular choice, but any buffalo wing sauce works.
- Heavy cream or cream cheese: To balance the spice and make the sauce rich and creamy.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar adds sharpness and meltiness.
- Mozzarella cheese (optional): For extra gooey texture.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): To drizzle on top or mix into the sauce.
Optional Toppings and Add-ons
- Green onions: For a fresh, crunchy topping.
- Crumbled blue cheese: Classic buffalo pairing.
- Red pepper flakes: For extra heat.
- Celery and carrots on the side: Just like with wings!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s break down the process step by step.
Step 1 – Preparing the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pan and either shred or cube it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Step 2 – Cooking the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water to help thicken the sauce later if needed.
Step 3 – Making the Buffalo Sauce
In the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, add a little butter and garlic. Stir in the buffalo sauce and heavy cream (or cream cheese) to create a smooth, spicy, and creamy sauce. If you want extra cheesy flavor, stir in some shredded cheddar until it melts completely. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
Step 4 – Combining Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the buffalo sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and stir everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken.
Step 5 – Adding Cheese and Baking (Optional)
For an indulgent twist, transfer everything into a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. This step is optional, but it makes the dish feel like a cheesy buffalo chicken casserole.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Cooking buffalo chicken pasta isn’t complicated, but a few smart tips can make the difference between good and absolutely amazing. If you want restaurant-quality results right at home, keep these tricks in mind.
First, focus on the chicken. If you’re cooking fresh chicken, don’t rush the searing process. Allow it to brown on each side to lock in flavor. Dry chicken can ruin the entire dish, so either shred rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook chicken breasts/thighs slowly over medium heat until juicy and tender. A light seasoning of garlic powder, paprika, and salt gives a nice flavor base without overpowering the buffalo sauce.
When it comes to the sauce, balance is everything. Buffalo sauce is spicy and tangy, so you need something creamy to mellow it out. Heavy cream creates a rich, velvety sauce, but if you want it lighter, go with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a healthier spin. If you prefer bold flavors, add extra buffalo sauce at the end and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. For a creamier, cheesy bite, mix in both cheddar and mozzarella.
The pasta also plays a huge role. Always cook your pasta just until al dente, because it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and won’t hold up to the bold sauce. Reserve some pasta water before draining—it helps adjust the sauce consistency without watering it down.
Finally, don’t skip the toppings. A sprinkle of green onions, a drizzle of ranch, or crumbled blue cheese adds freshness and balances the spice. If you want a little crunch, toss breadcrumbs with butter and bake them on top of the pasta for a crispy finish. With these tips, every bite of your buffalo chicken pasta will be perfectly balanced, creamy, and delicious.
Variations of Buffalo Chicken Pasta
One of the best things about buffalo chicken pasta is its versatility. You can switch up ingredients, cooking styles, and even the spice level to create different versions of the dish that suit your taste buds. Here are a few variations you’ll love trying:
1. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
This version takes everything to the next level. After combining the chicken, pasta, and buffalo sauce, transfer it all into a casserole dish. Top with a generous amount of cheddar and mozzarella, then bake until bubbly and golden brown. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and leftovers reheat beautifully.
2. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Style
Love mac and cheese? Then mix the two comfort foods together. Use elbow macaroni instead of penne or rigatoni, then stir in extra cheese like Velveeta or Monterey Jack for creaminess. The result is a gooey, spicy, and ultra-cheesy pasta that feels like a grown-up twist on childhood comfort food.
3. Keto-Friendly Buffalo Chicken Pasta
If you’re cutting carbs, swap out pasta for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or even cauliflower rice. Keep the buffalo chicken and creamy sauce the same—you’ll still get all the flavor without the carb overload.
4. Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Simply use gluten-free pasta like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. The sauce and chicken are naturally gluten-free, so this swap is seamless and perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.
5. Extra Veggie Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for a nutritious twist. They blend well with the sauce and add a nice crunch while making the dish healthier.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, spice lovers, or health-conscious friends, there’s a buffalo chicken pasta variation that will fit the bill.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Buffalo chicken pasta is hearty and flavorful on its own, but pairing it with the right side dish makes the meal feel complete. Since the pasta is creamy and spicy, lighter, fresh sides help balance it out.
1. Garlic Bread
Classic garlic bread is a no-brainer. The buttery crunch pairs perfectly with the creamy buffalo sauce, and it’s great for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. You can make it extra indulgent by topping it with mozzarella before baking.
2. Fresh Salad
A crisp salad is the perfect way to cut through the richness of the pasta. Go for a simple Caesar salad, or mix leafy greens with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. A blue cheese salad dressing also complements the buffalo flavors beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy, delicious side. Their natural sweetness balances the heat from the buffalo sauce. For extra flavor, season them with garlic, lemon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
4. Celery and Carrot Sticks
Since buffalo wings are always served with celery and carrots, why not add them here too? They provide crunch and freshness while keeping the buffalo theme alive. Serve them raw with a side of ranch or blue cheese dip.
5. Cornbread
For a Southern twist, pair your buffalo chicken pasta with slightly sweet cornbread. The sweetness balances out the spice, and the crumbly texture contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta.
With these sides, you’ll have a complete meal that hits all the right notes—spicy, creamy, crunchy, and refreshing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Buffalo chicken pasta makes fantastic leftovers, but only if you store and reheat it properly. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:
Storing in the Fridge
Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To prevent the pasta from drying out, drizzle a tiny bit of buffalo sauce or cream on top before sealing the container.
Freezing Instructions
Buffalo chicken pasta can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly due to the cream and cheese. If you plan to freeze it, skip adding extra cheese on top until you’re ready to bake or reheat. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Methods
- Microwave: Quick and easy—add a splash of milk or cream, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm it gently in a skillet with a little cream or buffalo sauce to restore creaminess.
- Oven: If baked, reheat covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese.
The key is to add a little moisture back in while reheating so the sauce stays creamy instead of drying out. Done right, your leftovers will taste almost as good as when freshly made.
FAQs about Buffalo Chicken Pasta Recipe
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and add it directly to the sauce for a quick and easy version.
2. Which pasta shape works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because they hold the sauce and mix well with the chicken.
3. Can I make it less spicy?
Of course. Use mild buffalo sauce or mix in more cream to balance out the spice. Ranch or blue cheese also helps cool it down.
4. How do I make it dairy-free?
Swap the cream for coconut milk or almond milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Make sure your buffalo sauce is dairy-free as well.
5. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta and sauce, then refrigerate before baking. When ready, bake it covered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors in one irresistible dish. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions like game day parties. With the right balance of buffalo heat and creamy sauce, plus endless variation options, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s guaranteed to impress.
